Delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
This Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, is a delightful twist on the traditional elote. It's packed with fresh ingredients, making it a perfect dish for summer barbecues or family gatherings. The creamy dressing combined with the charred corn creates an explosion of flavor that everyone will love.
Why This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Works
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Mexican street corn but in a refreshing salad format. The key is using fresh corn, which adds sweetness and crunch, complemented by the creamy dressing. Quick sautéing in a skillet enhances the flavors, providing a slightly charred taste that is irresistible.
The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing lends a rich creaminess, while lime juice and chili powder provide a zesty kick. With fresh cilantro and crumbled feta cheese, this salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal.
💡 Professional Tip
To enhance the flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder according to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until serving, but add the cilantro and feta right before serving for the freshest taste.
If you don't have feta cheese, you can use queso fresco or cotija cheese for a similar flavor. Alternatively, a vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free option.
The corn should be golden and slightly charred when sautéed, indicating it's done. Taste a kernel; it should be sweet and tender.
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture may suffer. However, you can freeze the corn before cooking if desired.
You will need a large skillet for cooking the corn, a mixing bowl for combining ingredients, and a whisk for making the dressing.
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a topping for quesadillas. It can also be a refreshing side dish for any summer meal.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños for heat. Conversely, reduce or omit the chili powder for a milder flavor.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Recipe Troubleshooting Guide
Too Dry
Problem: If the salad is too dry, it may lack enough dressing.
Solution: Simply add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to achieve the desired creaminess.
Uneven Cooking
Problem: If the corn cooks unevenly, it might not have been spread out in the pan.
Solution: Try cooking in smaller batches or using a larger skillet to ensure even exposure to heat.
Lacking Flavor
Problem: If the salad tastes bland, it might not have enough seasoning.
Prevention: Add more lime juice, salt, or chili powder to enhance the flavor profile.
Wrong Texture
Problem: The salad might feel mushy or too crunchy if the corn is overcooked or undercooked.
Recovery: Aim for a tender but firm texture by properly timing the sautéing process.
Overcooked
Problem: If the corn becomes overly soft, it can lose its crunch.
Prevention: Cook for a shorter time or at a lower heat to prevent overcooking.
Flavor Balance
Too Sweet: If the salad tastes too sweet, it may need more acidity.
Too Salty: Add a touch more lime juice or a pinch of chili powder to balance the saltiness.
Bland: Increase seasoning or add more dressing to elevate the flavor.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
For the freshest flavor, select corn that is in-season and has a bright yellow color. Husk the corn just before preparing to retain its moisture and sweetness. Fresh herbs like cilantro should be vibrant and fragrant, adding that extra burst of flavor.
Using high-quality mayonnaise and sour cream is crucial for the dressing's richness. Always taste and adjust seasonings to suit your preference, ensuring a balanced and flavorful salad.
Essential Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Corn: Look for plump kernels with a bright color. Fresh corn tastes sweeter and is key to this salad's success.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for crumbled feta for its tangy flavor and creamy texture. This cheese beautifully complements the corn and dressing.
- Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro for added fragrance and brightness. Avoid wilted or yellowing leaves as they lack flavor.
Cooking Technique Tips
When sautéing the corn, ensure the skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice char without steaming the corn. Spread the corn evenly in the pan to allow for even cooking and browning.
Finish the salad with a generous squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Letting the salad sit for a bit before serving allows the flavors to develop further.
Chef's Secret Technique
To enhance the charred flavor, you can grill the corn directly on the cob instead of sautéing. This should be done until the kernels are lightly charred, then cut off for the salad for an even deeper flavor.
Delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
📋 Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise💡 Use a creamy, flavorful mayo.
- 1/4 cup sour cream💡 Opt for a rich, tangy brand.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice💡 Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder💡 Adjust based on spice preference.
For the Salad Base:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels💡 About 4 ears of corn.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro💡 Fresh cilantro adds flavor.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese💡 Use high-quality feta.
- Salt and pepper to taste💡 Always taste and adjust.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Remove the corn kernels from the cobs using a sharp knife. Aim to get about 4 cups of fresh corn.
Step 2: Sauté the Corn
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to char.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
While the corn is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Cool the Corn
Once the corn is cooked and charred, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled corn, cilantro, and feta cheese.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Season with additional salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
Step 8: Serve
Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with more cilantro if desired.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly over time.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect on its own or served alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. It also makes a great topping for tacos and burrito bowls.
Variations
You can add diced avocado for creaminess or black beans for added protein. For a spicy kick, include chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.